Device for actuating a flush of a wc

Abstract

Device (1) for actuating a flush (2) of a WC (3), at least comprising: - a cover plate (4); and - at least one actuating element (5, 6) which is fastened to a front side (7) of the cover plate (4) and comprises a transmitter (8), wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) is flexibly fastenable on the front side (7) of the cover plate (4).

Description

[0001] Grohe AG

[0002] P24-0427W001

[0003] - 1 -

[0004] Device for activating a toilet flush

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for actuating a toilet flush. Such devices serve to enable targeted and reliable activation of the flush in order to clean the toilet bowl after use.

[0006] Conventional devices comprise an actuator plate with permanently integrated operating buttons that are mechanically or electronically connected to a drain valve or the drain valve's actuating mechanism. The positioning of the operating buttons is predetermined by the design of the flushing mechanism and / or the spatial constraints, thus offering only limited possibilities for adjustment.

[0007] In particular, each design variant of the actuator buttons requires a specially adapted cover plate with corresponding openings. This leads to an increased variety of parts, making not only manufacturing but also logistics and warehousing more complex and expensive. Furthermore, individual customizations to meet customer requirements are difficult to implement.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art and in particular to provide a device for actuating a flushing mechanism of a toilet which allows a high degree of design freedom.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention. Grohe AG

[0010] P24-0427W001

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] This includes a device for operating a toilet flush, which has at least the following features:

[0013] - a cover plate; and

[0014] - at least one actuating element attached to a front side of the cover plate and comprising a transmitter, wherein the at least one actuating element is flexibly attachable to the front side of the cover plate.

[0015] The toilet can be designed as a (seat) toilet or urinal. Furthermore, the toilet can have a bowl that can be cleaned by flushing. Cleaning is achieved, in particular, by means of a flushing fluid, the dispensing of which into the bowl can be activated by at least one actuating element of a flushing device. The flushing mechanism can include a cistern to hold the flushing fluid and / or a flush valve to control the dispensing of the flushing fluid into the bowl. The flushing mechanism can be at least partially attached to a mounting frame for the toilet, which allows the toilet to be attached to a building wall. Such mounting frames are known, for example, as pre-wall elements. These are attached to the building wall and then covered with a partition wall. Wall cladding elements, such as tiles, can then be attached to the partition wall.An inspection shaft or wall opening may be provided in the wall and / or the partition wall. The flushing mechanism, cistern, and / or flush valve may be accessible for maintenance via this inspection shaft or wall opening. The device or its housing may be located, at least partially, within the inspection shaft or wall opening. The cistern may be located behind the device in the wall or in a cavity between the wall and the partition wall. Grohe AG.

[0016] P24-0427W001

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] The housing of the device can be made at least partially of plastic and / or metal. For example, the housing can be an injection-molded plastic part. A mounting compartment can be formed within the housing. The mounting compartment can extend from a mounting compartment opening in the housing to a base of the housing. In a mounted state, the mounting compartment opening can be aligned with the inspection shaft or the wall opening in the wall and / or partition. The mounting compartment opening can extend orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the housing or the mounting compartment. This longitudinal axis can be the central axis of the housing or the mounting compartment. The longitudinal axis can extend at least partially through the mounting compartment, centrally and / or concentrically.The longitudinal axis of the housing can extend at least partially centrally and / or concentrically through the mounting space opening. The housing can have side walls that at least partially define the mounting space.

[0019] The device includes a cover plate. The cover plate can close or cover the mounting opening of the housing, the access shaft, and / or the wall opening. The cover plate can be attached to the mounting opening. The cover plate can be made partially of plastic and / or metal. The cover plate can be square or rectangular. The cover plate can have a length and / or width of, for example, 100 mm to 500 mm and / or a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm. The cover plate can be round or oval. The cover plate can have a diameter of, for example, 100 mm to 500 mm. The cover plate can be a size that corresponds at least to the size of the mounting opening, the access shaft, and / or the wall opening. In particular, the cover plate does not have an opening. The cover plate has a front and a back.The front side (when the device is installed) is particularly visible to a user of the device. The cover plate and / or the front side may be flat. The rear side may face the installation space opening, the inspection shaft, and / or the wall opening. Grohe AG.

[0020] P24-0427W001

[0021] -4 -

[0022] The device has at least one actuating element. This actuating element can, for example, be a push button. The device can have multiple actuating elements, in particular two. The multiple actuating elements can, in particular, allow different quantities of the rinsing fluid to be dispensed, for example, a small quantity and a large quantity.

[0023] The at least one actuating element is attached to the front of the cover plate and includes a transmitter. This transmitter can be, for example, a radio transmitter, a light transmitter, an infrared transmitter, or an acoustic transmitter. When the user activates or presses the at least one actuating element, the transmitter sends a signal that controls or activates the dispensing of the flushing fluid. This signal can be received, for example, by a control unit for the device, the flushing mechanism, the drain valve, or an actuating device for activating the flush. The control unit can be electronic. Because of the transmitter, the cover plate does not need to have an opening for the at least one actuating element and / or for an actuating mechanism. Therefore, a design change to the at least one actuating element does not require any modification of the cover plate.

[0024] At least one actuator can be flexibly attached to the front of the cover plate. "Flexibly attached" can mean, in particular, that at least one actuator can be removed from and / or reattached to the cover plate without tools. This flexible attachment allows the position of the actuator on the cover plate to be individually selected and / or subsequently changed. This enables the user to adjust the arrangement of at least one actuator according to personal preferences or ergonomic considerations. Furthermore, the device can be adapted to different structural conditions.

[0025] P24-0427W001

[0026] -5 -

[0027] Conditions and / or design requirements can be adapted without the need for a new cover plate.

[0028] At least one of the actuators can have a power source. This power source supplies the transmitter with electrical energy so that it can send the signal to control the flushing. The power source can be, in particular, a battery, a rechargeable battery, or an alternative power supply. An alternative power supply could, for example, include inductive power transfer or energy generation by actuating the actuator.

[0029] Thanks to an integrated power source in the actuator, the device is particularly flexible in its application, as no external power supply or wiring is required. This allows for wireless mounting of the actuator to the cover plate, making its positioning freely selectable.

[0030] The energy source can be designed as a replaceable or rechargeable unit. A replaceable battery could, for example, be a button cell. Alternatively, a rechargeable battery can be used, which can be recharged via an external charging port or by inductive charging.

[0031] To maximize the lifespan of the energy source, the actuator can be equipped with an energy-saving function. For example, the transmitter can only be active when the actuator is pressed or switch off automatically after a defined period of time.

[0032] By integrating its own energy source into the actuator, the device is independent of an external power supply and can therefore be used flexibly in various installation environments. Grohe AG

[0033] P24-0427W001

[0034] - 6 -

[0035] At least one actuating element can be adhesively attached to the front of the cover plate. For example, the at least one actuating element can have an adhesive layer to form the adhesive bond.

[0036] The at least one actuating element can be magnetically attached to the front of the cover plate. To form the magnetic attachment, the device, the cover plate, and / or the at least one actuating element can each have at least one magnet. The cover plate can be made at least partially of metal or comprise a metal plate to form the magnetic attachment.

[0037] The at least one actuating element can be attached to the front of the cover plate by means of a vacuum. The at least one actuating element can include at least one suction cup or be designed as a suction cup. The at least one actuating element can have at least one vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber can generate or contain a vacuum that secures the at least one actuating element to the front of the cover plate.

[0038] The device may include a receiver for receiving a signal from the transmitter. The receiver may be, for example, a radio receiver, a light receiver, an infrared receiver, or an acoustic receiver. The receiver is designed to receive the signal triggered by a user through the actuation of at least one operating element and, in particular, to forward it to the control unit. The receiver may, for example, be located within the housing.

[0039] The device can have at least one actuating device for activating the flush. The at least one actuating device can, in particular, activate or open the drain valve (especially mechanically, pneumatically, or electrically). The at least one Grohe AG

[0040] P24-0427W001

[0041] - 7 -

[0042] The actuating device can be a compressed air generator. The compressed air generator can be connected to the drain valve via a compressed air line. The compressed air generator can generate a compressed air pulse that opens the drain valve via the compressed air line. The at least one actuating device can be designed as an actuating cartridge. The at least one actuating device can be an electrical actuating device. This can, for example, include an electromagnet, a motor, or another electrical actuator with which the drain valve can be opened directly or indirectly. The at least one actuating device can be a mechanical actuating device. This can, for example, include a mechanism with which the drain valve can be opened directly or indirectly. The at least one actuating device can be arranged, at least partially, within the housing.

[0043] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, but that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Identical components in the figures are designated with the same reference numerals. The figures show, by way of example and schematically:

[0044] Fig. 1: a toilet with a device for operating a flush in a perspective view;

[0045] Fig. 2: a mounting frame of the WC in a perspective sectional view;

[0046] Fig. 3: the device in a perspective view; and

[0047] Fig. 4: The device in a perspective sectional view. Grohe AG

[0048] P24-0427W001

[0049] - 8 -

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a WC 3 in a perspective view. The WC 3 comprises a toilet bowl 13, which is attached to a wall 15 of a building by means of a mounting frame 14 shown in Fig. 2. The mounting frame 14 shown in Fig. 2 is concealed in Fig. 1 by a partition wall 16 and wall cladding elements 17, which are designed here as tiles. The mounting frame 14 is thus arranged in a cavity 18 between the wall 15 and the partition wall 16. The partition wall 16 has an opening (not visible here) that connects the cavity 18 to an environment 19. The opening is covered by a cover plate 4 of a device 1 for actuating a flush 2 of the WC 3, shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows the mounting frame 14 of the WC 3 shown in Fig. 1, without the pre-wall 16 and the wall cladding elements 17. The flushing mechanism 2 of the WC 3 is attached to the mounting frame 14 and comprises a cistern 20 for a flushing fluid. A drain valve (not visible here) is arranged in the cistern 20, which controls the flow of the flushing fluid from the cistern 20 to the WC bowl 13 shown in Fig. 1.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the device 1 in a perspective view. The device 1 comprises a first actuating element 5 and a second actuating element 6, which are magnetically and detachably attached to a front side 7 of the cover plate 4. This allows the actuating elements 5 and 6 to be flexibly positioned on the front side 7 of the cover plate 4. The actuating elements 5 and 6 are designed as actuating buttons. By actuating or pressing the first actuating element 5, the toilet bowl 13 shown in Fig. 1 can be flushed with a small amount of flushing fluid. By actuating or pressing the second actuating element 6, the toilet bowl 13 shown in Fig. 1 can be flushed with a large amount of flushing fluid.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows the device 1 in a perspective sectional view. The first actuating element 5 has a magnet 21 with which the first actuating element 5 is detachably attached to the front side 7 of the cover plate 4. For this purpose, a metal plate 22 is arranged behind the cover plate 4. In addition, the first actuating element 5 has a transmitter 8 and a Grohe AG

[0054] P24-0427W001

[0055] - 9 -

[0056] Energy source 9. The transmitter 8 can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy source 9. The first actuating element 5 and the second actuating element 6 shown in Fig. 3 are identical. The device 1 has a receiver 10, through which a radio signal from the transmitter 8 can be received when the first actuating element 5 is actuated by a user. The receiver 10 is connected (data-conducting) to a control unit 23 of the device 1. A first actuating device 11 and a second actuating device 12 can be controlled by the control unit 23. The actuating devices 11 and 12 are compressed air generators, each of which is connected to the drain valve of the flushing system 2 shown in Fig. 2 via a compressed air line (not shown here). When the first actuating element 5 is actuated, the control unit 23 activates the first actuating device 11, and when the second actuating element 6 is actuated, the second actuating device 12 is activated.The second actuating element 6 shown in Fig. 3 activates the control unit 23 and the second actuating device 12. Alternatively, the control unit 23 can directly control the drain valve of the flush 2 shown in Fig. 2, especially if the drain valve is electrically controllable.

[0057] The present invention particularly enables an individual arrangement of the actuating elements 5, 6. Grohe AG

[0058] P24-0427W001

[0059] - 10 - List of reference symbols

[0060] 1 Device

[0061] 2 flushes

[0062] 3 WC

[0063] 4 Cover plate

[0064] 5 first actuating element

[0065] 6 second actuating element

[0066] 7 Front

[0067] 8 channels

[0068] 9 Energy source

[0069] 10 recipients

[0070] 11 first actuating device

[0071] 12 second actuating device

[0072] 13 toilet bowls

[0073] 14 mounting frames

[0074] 15 wall

[0075] 16 Pretext

[0076] 17 wall cladding elements

[0077] 18 Cavity

[0078] 19 surroundings

[0079] 20 cisterns

[0080] 21 Magnet

[0081] 22 metal plate

[0082] 23 Control

Claims

Grohe AG P24-0427W001 - 11 - Patent claims 1. Device (1) for actuating a flush (2) of a toilet (3), at least comprising: - a cover plate (4); and - at least one actuating element (5, 6) which is attached to a front side (7) of the cover plate (4) and has a transmitter (8), wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) can be flexibly attached to the front side (7) of the cover plate (4).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) has an energy source (9).

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) is adhesively attached to the front side (7) of the cover plate (4).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) is magnetically attached to the front side (7) of the cover plate (4).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuating element (5, 6) is attached to the front side (7) of the cover plate (4) by a vacuum.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a receiver (10) for receiving a signal from the transmitter (8).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one actuating device (11, 12) for actuating the flushing (2).

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